Page 19 of Double Booked

“Why wouldn’t you?”

She shrugged. “I’m not an experienced hiker.”

“I know some easy trails that you can start with. I’ll even go with you if you want company.”

Until now, she’d only wanted to be alone. “Maybe.” She took a long drink of beer, realizing how easy it was going down.

When she set down the bottle, he was staring at her. “What? Do I have taco sauce on my face or something?” She dabbed the corner of her lips with a napkin.

He shook his head. “Do you want to taco about it?”

She leaned in and cocked her head. “Did you just say—?”

“Yes. I was trying to be funny.”

“Oh.” She didn’t laugh.

“I’m a pretty good listener.”

She picked up the beer and downed the last of it. “How about another beer?” She stood up too quickly and swayed on her feet.

He shot out a hand and steadied her. “Sit down, and I’ll get it.”

She sat back down. “I stood up too fast,” she explained.

“I know.” He opened the refrigerator and took out two more beers. “Maybe take it a little slower this time,” he suggested.

She didn’t argue. Instead, she started in. “What’s an emotional affair, anyway? Who came up with that?”

“Um…”

“I’ll tell you who. Some guy who didn’t want to admit he wanted to have sex with his coworker, that’s who!”

“Okay…”

“Be honest. That’s what it means, right?” She paused and stared at him, waiting for an answer.

He shifted on the stool and faced her. “I’m guessing this guy was your roommate.”

“My boyfriend, Patrick.” Saying his name left a bad taste in her mouth unless it was the tacos.

“How long were you together?”

“Almost three years.”

“Wow. That’s a long time.”

“Yeah.” She twisted the bottle around in her hands and averted her eyes.

“Is that what he told you? He was having an emotional affair?”

“Yes, with his co-worker, Vanessa.” She’d never met the woman, but she hated her all the same.

“What else did he say?”

Do I really want to do this? Air my dirty laundry with a stranger? On the other hand, they’d eaten a few meals together, so he wasn’t really a stranger anymore.

He waited patiently, and her words came flowing out.